Thursday, September 11, 2014

Friends climb mountain in fund-raising tribute to much-loved GP

FRIENDS, family members and colleagues of a much-loved Nairn GP who died earlier this year have walked up Britain’s highest mountain to raise money for a cause that was close to his heart.

A group of 66 people took part in the Ben Nevis climb on Saturday 30th August in memory of Dr Kevin McPhee, raising more than £8,000 – with more money still coming in – for the Highland Hospice in Inverness.

Among the party were GPs Amy Carter, Audrey Banks and Adrian Baker, of Nairn Healthcare Group, where Dr McPhee had practised for the last six years.

The adverse weather was no deterrent to the group, and of those who met at the foot of the mountain 66 people – and two dogs – reached the 4,406ft summit in driving rain.

Dr Baker said: “In his work with Nairn Healthcare Group Kevin touched the lives of many people and was highly regarded by all who came across him. He was also instrumental in developing and driving forward the vision for the practice which is now carried on by his colleagues.

“He was a real inspiration who led by example with a calm, engaging and warm manner, and his is greatly missed by us all.”

Dr McPhee, who died in February aged 38, spent the last few weeks of his life in the hospice. He lived in Nairn and would cycle throughout the year to work and visiting patients.

“It was a desire to express their gratitude and appreciation of the hospice’s work, and to celebrate Kevin’s life, that led his family to organise the Ben Nevis climb,” said Dr Baker.

“Medical and nursing staff from Nairn have been involved with the hospice for many years and the charity’s work was of great importance to Kevin, notwithstanding his own illness.”